Airalo eSIM – recommended everywhere, but does it really work in practice?
When someone asks about an eSIM card, Airalo comes up almost every time. Ads, blogs, travel groups, and guides all point to this brand. Its popularity is huge, but does quality really follow? I decided to check it myself, so you don’t have to.
Table of contents:
- What Airalo is and how it works
- Which countries Airalo works in
- eSIM installation and package activation
- Data plans, prices, and top-up options
- Loyalty and referral program
- Airalo pros and cons
- How Airalo customer support works
- Would I choose Airalo?
- eSIM Airalo – most frequently asked questions
What Airalo is and how it works
Airalo is one of the first internet providers of its kind worldwide. It is a solid option available on the market. It uses eSIM technology, so there is no need for a physical SIM card. Setup, management, and top-ups are all very simple, which matters when you are traveling.
With Airalo, you can access the internet in nearly 200 locations around the world. Various data plans are available, which makes it easy to choose an option that fits your needs. The offer also includes plans described as unlimited. However, clear rules apply. Once a certain amount of data is used, internet speed is reduced to ensure fair use for everyone.
Which countries Airalo works in
Airalo offers eSIM cards for more than 200 locations worldwide. If you are thinking about a specific country, there is a very high chance that this provider has an internet plan for that destination. As a result, you do not need to look for a local SIM card after arrival.
In addition, you can choose regional eSIMs covering areas such as Africa, Latin America, North America, Australia and Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, the European Union and the United Kingdom, as well as the Caribbean Islands. That is not all, because Airalo also offers a global eSIM, which provides internet access across 138 countries and networks.
eSIM installation and package activation
Installing an eSIM has never been easier. The app also checks whether your device is compatible with eSIM technology, which helps eliminate issues right from the start. However, it is important to remember that an active internet connection is required to install the eSIM. This can be either Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
Step by step:
- Open the Airalo app. If you do not have an account yet, create one and log in.
- Go to the Store section and choose a country, a region, or a global eSIM, depending on your needs.
- Select the data package size and its validity period.
- Tap Buy now.
- Review the order summary and complete the payment using your preferred payment method.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once the installation is complete, the eSIM is ready to use.
Data plans, prices, and top-up options
Airalo offers a wide range of data plans starting from as little as €4, depending on the region and the type of eSIM. Because of that, it is easy to find an option that fits your trip. You can choose plans valid for 3, 7, 15, or 30 days, so matching the plan to the length of your stay is straightforward. For example, if you are planning only a weekend city break, you do not need to buy a full week package. As a result, this solution is clearly more flexible.
Regional eSIMs also start at around €4 and work in several countries at the same time. Thanks to this, they work well for trips that include more than one destination. At the same time, the offer includes plans described as unlimited. However, a fair use policy applies. Once a certain amount of data is used, internet speed is significantly reduced. In practice, prices for these plans usually start at around €10, depending on the country.
Additionally, it is worth considering the global eSIM. Its starting price is around €7.5, and the plan provides internet access in many locations worldwide.
Finally, Airalo allows you to top up specific plans whenever needed. So, if your data runs low, you do not have to purchase a new eSIM.
Loyalty and referral program
How does the loyalty program work? It is very simple. You make purchases without using AirMoney funds, and as a result, you move up to higher levels. With each new level, you receive cashback in the form of AirMoney credits. At the Traveler level, the cashback is 5%, at the Silver level it increases to 6%, at the Gold level it reaches 7%, and at the Platinum level it goes up to 10%. Therefore, the more you travel and use mobile internet, the higher the return you receive.
The referral program works just as simply. You recommend the service to friends and earn €3 in AirMoney for each successful referral. At the same time, your friend also receives €3 toward their first eSIM. There is only one condition. The referred person must complete their first purchase. Because there is no limit on referrals, you can use the program without any restrictions.
Airalo pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 🟢 Easy and fast eSIM installation | 🔴 Many negative opinions about customer support |
| 🟢 Quick and convenient in app payments | 🔴 Mid range pricing |
| 🟢 Wide coverage with around 200 locations worldwide | 🔴 No phone number and no SMS support |
| 🟢 Local regional and global data plans | 🔴 Unlimited plans with speed limits after fair use policy |
| 🟢 Ability to track data usage in the app | 🔴 Not all plans offer a top up option |
| 🟢 Loyalty program with cashback | 🔴 Coverage is not always the best in some regions |
| 🟢 Referral program with no limit | |
| 🟢 One app for eSIM worldwide |
How Airalo customer support works
There are several contact options available. One of them is a contact form accessible through a web browser on the official Airalo website. You can also use the in app chat or contact support via WhatsApp. Customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How does it look in practice? Online, you can find many negative opinions related to long response times and delays in resolving issues. Therefore, it is worth keeping this in mind, especially while traveling.
However, my personal experience was very positive. Despite the eSIM not working, I received a quick and clear response, as well as a smooth refund. Because of that, I keep this section neutral.
Have you had any experiences with Airalo customer support? Share them in the comments.
Would I choose Airalo?
I have been using Airalo for the past two years, including in Malaysia, Singapore, Croatia, Montenegro, and many other countries. Easy installation, an intuitive app, and the ability to top up data plans are major advantages for me when it comes to this internet provider.
Prices can vary. Sometimes they are competitive, while at other times they feel simply too high compared to other options. I also had one issue with network access in Montenegro, and unfortunately, the internet did not work at all at that time. However, a clear advantage was the quick contact with customer support and a smooth refund. Because of that experience, it was a good reminder to always have a plan B, even when using an eSIM.
Would I use it again? Absolutely. I will continue to use Airalo. There are no perfect apps, however, this one can easily be described as one of the better options currently available.
eSIM Airalo – most frequently asked questions
When does an Airalo plan start and how not to lose its validity
In most cases, the validity of an Airalo plan starts at the moment of the first connection to a network in the destination country. However, in some plans, it may begin right after installation. Therefore, it is always worth checking the details before activation and consciously choosing the right moment to install the eSIM.
Does Airalo provide a phone number and SMS
Most Airalo plans offer data only and do not include a phone number or SMS. However, there are exceptions. Selected global plans, such as Discover+, may include calls and SMS, so it is important to check the plan details in advance.
Can I buy an eSIM in advance and when is the best time to install it
Yes, you can purchase an eSIM before your trip. In most cases, it is safest to install it shortly before departure or earlier, provided that the plan activates only after connecting to a local network at your destination.
Does an Airalo eSIM expire if I do not use the data
The eSIM itself does not expire. Only the data package expires after the validity period ends or once the data allowance is used. However, the same eSIM can be reused by purchasing a new data plan.
How long does Airalo eSIM installation and activation take
Installation usually takes just a few minutes. Activation happens after connecting to a supported network, although sometimes there may be a short delay after arrival.
How to check data usage and plan validity
Data usage and the remaining validity period are visible directly in the Airalo app. Thanks to this, you can easily keep track of your data at any time.
Can I have multiple Airalo eSIMs on one phone
Yes. You can have several eSIMs installed on one device. However, only one data plan can be active at a time.
What to do if an Airalo eSIM does not work
First, check whether the eSIM is active and selected as the data source. If the issue continues, contact customer support through the Airalo app or via the official website.
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
